Alvin Manitopyes
Alvin is First Nations of Plains Cree and Anishnawbe ancestry and is an enrolled member of the Muskowekwan First Nations, Saskatchewan, Canada. Alvin was raised in a traditional manner and was taught the importance of preserving ancient Indigenous knowledge and interpretation of natural laws according to the teachings of his Elders. Alvin is recognized as an accomplished traditional dancer on the North America pow-wow circuit and has travelled extensively throughout Europe and South America sharing his culture and traditional knowledge. Alvin’s experience and knowledge in traditional healing practices has been utilized by many organizations in particular for staff, who want to understand Indigenous cultures.
He has presented workshops/lectures for numerous environmental and wellness conferences for both mainstream and Native American audiences throughout North America and abroad. Alvin has considerable experience in advancing the social and economic development of First Nations through designing innovative capacity-building initiatives for several national and community based organizations. Through his involvement Alvin has co-founded several social organizations in Calgary such as the Awotaan Native Womens Shelter, Plains Indian Cultural Survival School, and was directly involved in initiating the national Aboriginal training program, BEAHR sponsored by Eco-Canada. Alvin has 20 years of experience managing Aboriginal government programs in areas of project and community development as a consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada, Employment & Immigration Commission, and Secretary of State. Alvin has also been involved in developing Aboriginal community engagement policies for corporations in areas of consultation processes and impact benefit agreements. Alvin has also functioned in the capacity as an advisor for numerous First Nations leaders in areas of self-government, treaty interpretation, economic development, duty to consult, corporate strategic planning, international marketing, business development, human resource development, and joint ventures projects associated with resource and environmental development operations on First Nations and Native American tribal lands in North America